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MESA, Ariz. -- A woman and her 12-year-old son were taken into custody Friday after night after she allegedly tried to steal a purse and led authorities on a high-speed chase along Loop 202.

Mesa police said a woman was shopping at the Wal-Mart store at Southern Avenue and Power Road about 7 p.m. when her purse was taken from her cart.

The shopper reportedly ran after the suspect and wrestled her purse away.

Mesa police were notified and alerted other agencies to watch for the suspect's red pickup truck.

Shortly after, the Arizona Department of Public Safety spotted the truck on Loop 202 near McKellips Road, and a high-speed pursuit ensued.

The pickup truck reportedly reached about 120 mph before the chase ended at the Target store at the US-60 and Power Road.

Police said Stephanie Carol Evans, 36, and her son fled from the truck and ran inside the store, where they were taken into custody.

Denise Salaz said she and her daughters went to Target to avoid the commotion at Wal-Mart, and then saw the woman and her son being taken into custody.

"You're supposed to teach your child to do absolutely the opposite," Salaz said. "How do you involve your child in any sort of crime? He could have been killed in that car because she was trying to get away. All for what, a purse?"